INTERNATIONAL CAE CONFERENCE AND EXHIBITION 2017, 6 - 7 November

Reviewing the Multiobjective Optimization

Package of modeFrontier in Energy Sector

Amir Mosavi
Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Department of Computer Science, 7491 Trondheim,
Norway
Institute of Structural Mechanics, Bauhaus Universität-Weimar, Marienstraße 15, 99423 Weimar,
Germany
Email: amir.mosavi@uni-weimar.de
Web: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Amir_Mosavi2

Summary
The multiobjective optimization (MOO) software package of modeFrontier has recently become
popular within industries, academics and research communities. Today, universities as well as research
institutes are using modeFrontier optimization toolboxes for teaching and research proposes around the
world. One of the reason behind the popularity of the package, is the way it utilizes the available
resources in an efficient and integrated manner and providing multidimensional post-processing tools.
The user-friendly design optimization environment of modeFrontier integrates various optimization
methods with the major computer aided engineering codes and commercial numerical analysis tools.
Among the wide range of applications of modeFrontier, the energy sector, particularly, has been highly
benefiting from the advancements in design optimization. This article presents the state of the art survey
of the novel applications of modeFrontier in this realm.

Keywords
Energy, Multiobjective Optimization, Optimal design, modeFrontier

Introduction
The multiobjective optimization (MOO) software package of modeFrontier is a commercial software
package which provides a user-friendly environment for innovative design optimization. The package
was developed by ESTECO, which is an independent technology provider software solutions located
in Italy [1]. The package provides an advanced simulation-driven design process with powerful
workflows, innovative algorithms and user-friendly post-processing for advanced statistical analysis,
data visualization and decision making [2]. The optimization is performed with modular and profile
based access, enabling the automation of the design simulation process and, further through facilitating
the advanced analytical decision. The modeFrontier includes two modules of modeSpace and
modeProcess for managing the data space, process, and optimization aspects and further dependent

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functions and interfaces [3]. The data space aspect of the package consists of four different sectors i.e.
data viewer, data inspector, data intelligence and data explorer [4]. The process and optimization aspects
further consists of four sectors i.e. automation designer, single discipline design, multi discipline design
and the optimeazy. The function of the data viewer is to make analytical charts used for the purpose of
post-processing. The function of data inspector is to make analytical charts for review and edit mode.
The data intelligence is also used for analytical purposes. In addition the data explorer functions as the
essential analytical tools and the design space exploration [5]. In the sector of process and optimization,
the function of automation designer is to create, edit and run the workflow, as well as providing medium
for integration of the computer aided design codes [6].
Furthermore the analytics charts consist of statistical and response surface charts. The analytical tools
consist of statistical charts, such as minimum vectoring altitude, clustering and self-organizing maps.
Design of experiment (DOE) further deals design space exploration (DSE) to systematically analysis
and pruning of unwanted design points. In order to couple the modeFrontier with the computation tools
in different size of projects, the integration packages are of three types of small, medium and large. The
small package includes only one node for commercial computational codes, the medium package has
three, and the large has seven. For conducting a robust design at the presence of numerous objective
functions and design criteria, the package includes multi-objective robust design optimization
(MORDO), and multiple criteria decision making (MCDM) algorithms [7].

modeFrontier in the Energy Sector

Manzan [10] uses the modeFrontier for optimization for night ventilation. Through an implementation
of genetic algorithms within the modeFrontier an energy saving system for night ventilation is
optimized for better performance. An advanced genetic algorithm analyzes the conflicting objectives
and result a graph for Pareto Frontier solutions. The design objectives are to save energy for the plant
system and to minimize the fan energy.
The modeFrontier package can couple with the reduced basis methods [8], which allows a fast and
reliable approximation of certain scalar quantities. Such ability, which is derived from partial
differential equation solutions, along with response surface methods would lead to the improvement of
a four-joint leverage amplifier [9]. Through implementation of a response surface algorithm within
modeFrontier, a dual acoustic gravitational wave detector is highly advanced. The improvements made
would help to measure the mechanical transfer function and improve the apparatus to perform a first
thermal noise measurement [9].
Further for providing design novelties in an old industry power products a hybrid multi-objective
optimization approach is used through an implementation of modeFron-tier. [11]. The project includes
two procedures i.e. filed analysis and optimization. In this case the package transmits a set of parameters
from the hybrid optimization algorithm to the filed solver. The result obtained from the simulation are
necessary for the objective function evolution. Further, the results are sent back to the optimizer for
producing a multidimensional visualization for the post-processing.
In another industrial project, a sophisticated multidisciplinary optimization strategy is implemented for
improving the shape of a rotor for railway traction system [12]. The objective is to maximize the
reluctance torque of the rotor. The response surface and DOE algorithms for the advanced statistical
analysis are performed through mode-Frontier. Here the multidimensional visualization tools provide
the ability to analyze the Pareto Frontier solutions more deeply. The in depth analysis, however, requires
multivariate data analytics of clustering. In a commercial project, an innovative domestic refrigerator is
optimized using the modeFrontier software package [13]. The thickness of the insulator panel of the
refrigerator is parameterized, and further the Pareto Frontier solutions are generated using the genetic
algorithms. In a similar approach, a fuel consumption minimization procedure of self-assisted motor
vessel is presented in [14]. A multiobjective genetic algorithm (MOGA) algorithm is used as
optimization procedure combined with a systematic meshing to explore the design space.

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In 2010, the energy transfer of the bounce tubes for optimizing the acceleration on Adidas bounce shoes
is done using modeFrontier [15]. Today the high performance shoes use tube with an angle shaped cross
section incorporated into the shoe sole. The modeFrontier optimization strategy thorough the use of
response surface and coupled numerical analysis showed a very promising results. The improved design
provides permissible performances which increases the runner’s acceleration. In another energy transfer
project, a hybrid optimization model of design optimization is created for vehicle realization [16]. In
this case MOGA enables the optimal configuration of the braking system. It maximizes the structural
rigidity and minimizes the weight of the drive.
For the advancement of the renewable micro generation technologies, modeFrontier plays a vital role
in designing an optimal generative system for the off-grid community energy demand [17]. In this case
an optimal energy system with 100% renewable microgeneration technology is advanced. The novel
design satisfies the electrical and thermal energy demand.For the energy harvesting in micro-
electromechanical-systems (MEMS), mode-Frontier has numerous applications to report. In a number
of applications e.g. [18], the MEMS’s design process, through an automated optimization process,
reduces the time and cost of the design procedure. The optimization strategy integrates computa-tional
fluid dynamics (CFD) with a genetic algorithm to numerically analyze and optimize the harvesting
patterns [19]. In fact, coupling the optimization algorithms and commercial CFD codes brings numerous
advantage to the engineering community and therefore the applications are vast. In a number of cases
e.g. [20, 21], a multi-objective shape optimization approach is used for the optimization and automation
design of CFD systems for the aerospace and automotive structures. The modeFrontier provides an
efficient platform for design, so called “CFD automatic design toolbox”, facilitating CFD engineers to
benefit from the high-end solution-techniques. This in indeed done without detailed diving into the
intricacies of modern optimiza-tion theory and complications of the mathematical implementation and
expensive computation as described in e.g. [21].
In 2013, the composite structural optimization is advanced through an integration of ANSYS Composite
PrepPost (ACP) and genetic algorithms [22, 23]. The work fellow focuses on composites structures
used in power plants and energy harvesting applications. In these two cases the optimization is
performed using a parametric geometry and CFD simulations. Integration of the computer aided
engineering tool of ACP and the advanced optimization algorithms provides an effective design
environment for composites structural design and analysis. The design tool reported effective in
reducing the weight and minimizing the risk of structural failure.
In the oil and gas industry, for the production and exploration in the deep water, modeFrontier is utilized
to improve the design of a Riser connected to a vessel [24, 25]. In this project the high offsets and
vertical motions imposed by the vessel at the top of the Riser is optimized. To do so, the steel lazy-
wave Riser (SLWR) finds an adequate solution for this particular structural dynamic behavior. In this
case, a response surface model defines the design verification phases in an effective manner. The
proposed model can further be utilized for the optimization procedure of the similar SLWR cases. In
the oil and gas industry, the pipe-laying task is an expensive, demanding, and highly time-consuming
process. An optimized process, in this case, can dramatically save money and time.
In 2012 a structural modeling of pipe-laying vessel is dedicated to the laying of long and deep-water
submarine pipelines [26]. The proposed methodology adopted to convert the structural drawings in
finite element model coupled with advanced optimization algorithms through modeFrontier. The static
loads of weights and tank pressures, along with the hydrostatic and hydrodynamic loads are optimized.
The methodology provides the ability to calculate the inertia loads associated to the vessel motion. It
further provides the ability to use global and more detailed local models. In 2013, a decision support
system for the large-scale problems of energy supply is designed using modeFrontier optimal design
platform [27]. Due to the increasing demand for sustainable energy supply accessing a combined
multiobjective optimi-zation system for multi attribute analysis of energy systems would be essential.
In this particular case the functioning of the design support system is done in three steps: (1) estimating
the total emissions; (2) utilizing MCDM methodology; (3) focusing on the sustainability benefits of
combined heating and power plants. In this case, modeFrontier provides an interactive Pareto Frontier
solution graph and, further improves the efficiency of the energy plant [28]. Worth mentioning that the
earlier case pre-sented in [11], the decision support system works on the similar principal for the

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simulation and optimization of zero energy industrial halls. In practice the netzero energy building
(NZEB) requires a sophisticated tool for optimization over the investment cost. Therefore, it is very
important to optimally design and implement the amount of the additional capital investment.
In the considered cases of Attia [11], and Subudhi [27], in an integrated design approach, the decision
support system provides maximized energy production capability and minimized additional capital
investment. Zhang [28] uses the modeFrontier as a simulation-optimization platform for the
advancement of laminated lithiumion batteries. He performs the simultaneous esti-mation of multiple
thermal parameters of large-format laminated lithium-ion batteries. These batteries are having multiple
thermal parameters to be optimized and estimated for achieving the longer life cycles and higher energy
density. This is done by identifying the minimum residuals and temperature rise using genetic
algorithms.
In the materials design realm, the Uranium enrichment cascades model is a demanding design
optimization which has been considered using modeFrontier strategy [29, 30]. The design optimization
workflow is performed by mixing parameters for non-proliferation analysis. The hybrid optimization
algorithms are used to manage the numerical analysis of the U isotopes separation process. Here a
coherent dataset for analysis and simulation demonstrates the possibility to use the simulation as a valid
additional tool when some information on the real plant performance is missing or is inaccurate. The
grid geometry effects on pressure drops and heat transfer for an EM-baffle heat exchanger is optimized
in [31]. The DOE and response surface are used to investigate the influence of different electron
microscopy grids on heat transfer. In this case the development and propagation of turbulence in the
shell-side fluid is investigated to improve the performance of the heat exchanger. The convenience of
the coupling of the finite element method (FEM) with optimization algorithms provides numerous
advantage to the design optimization community as well as energy systems designers. The applicability
and the efficiency of the method have been reported in e.g. designing of the hybrid energy storage
systems [32], building energy [33, 34], insulation [35], oil and gas [26], robotics energy [37], motor
drive systems [38], acoustics energy [39], and power supply optimization [27].
In a particular optimization case for motor drive systems [38], a large turbo generator is optimized
through an integrated multiple criteria optimization workflow at the presence of CFD and FEM analysis.
The induced currents in the rotor components, the damper windings configuration, and the temperature
of the rotor are analyzed and optimized. In a similar case reported in [23], the current pulsation
calculation of an induction machine driving reciprocating compressor is optimized. The model of
induction motor has enhanced by adding the effects of the air-gap torque. The method is validated by
simulation of the system through the integration of LMS Imagine Lab Amesim software [40] which is
an advanced computation platform for simulation and prediction of the multidisciplinary performance
of intelligent systems. In this case modeFrontier provides accurate design environment to analyzes and
simulate the torsional natural behavior of the system. Coupling the CFD and FEM commercial codes is
also utilized for annular distributors of heat exchangers [16, 19], where ANSYS workbench is integrated
with response surface use. In [21], a couple model of ANSYS and response surface, the geometry of
the heat exchanger has been improved. To run the optimization model the CFD model of the flow in
the distributor is investigated within different configurations.

Results
As surveyed above, the modeFrontier is used in numerous design applications and levels in firms around
the world. These levels can be component, system and sub-system. From the review analysis presented
in section two along with the analysis presented on engineeringvillage database, it is observed that only
52% of all the companies deals with the service level as it is depicted in Fig.1 a. The percentage of the
major algorithms used by companies is illustrated in Fig.1 b. In addition, Fig. 2 illustrates the total
number of projects in energy sectors using modeFrontier.

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INTERNATIONAL CAE CONFERENCE AND EXHIBITION 2017, 6 - 7 November

Figure 1. : a: percentage of companies using modeFrontier at different configuration levels,

b: percentage of the major algorithms used by companies (source:
www.engineeringvillage.com)

Conclusions
This article surveys the novel applications of the multiobjective optimization software package of
modeFrontier in the energy sector around the world. In the realm of energy sector the design
environment of modeFrontier provides an effective work-flow of linking different design and
engineering modules. This would assist engineers to save their time and well progress with an
automated design workflow. The popularity of this software package has been reported to be due its
simplicity and fact integration with major computer engineering application. Furthermore due to the
importance and beneficial of the CFD and FEM integrated simulations design environment, particularly
in the energy sector, brought by modeFrontier the usage of this package has been increasing within the
engineering community. In fact the survey indicates that the usage of the modeFrontier has been
dramatically increased during past decade.

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